Vitamin A

Vitamin A was discovered in 1915, although evidence suggests ancient Egyptians had used cooked liver as a remedy for night blindness, a recognized symptom of vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A is an anti-oxidant vitamin, helping eliminate free-radicals to prevent them from damaging healthy cells in the body. It also helps to keep the immune system in order. Vitamin A keeps the outermost layer of the skin healthy, and can help to nourish the skin and heal wounds by stimulating tissue repair and producing collagen. In the vegetable form of Beta carotene it has additional antioxidant properties – and this action could help to prevent heart and artery disease. Vitamin A is found in animal liver and dairy products such as eggs, cheese and butter, as well as a wide range of vegetables in the form of beta-carotene. Supplements of cod liver oil or vitamin A capsules can also help to balance one’s intake of this useful and essential vitamin.